Griffin expected to return for Redskins

ASHBURN, Va. – Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Or, as Coach Mike Shanahan put it: “There is a very, very good chance he is going to play.”

Griffin went through a full practice Friday for the third straight day after missing last week’s win over the Cleveland Browns because of a sprained right knee. Fellow rookie Kirk Cousins filled in, making his first career start in a 38-21 victory.

49ERS: All-Pro defensive tackle Justin Smith’s availability for Sunday night’s NFC West showdown against the Seattle Seahawks is in question after he missed practice for the third consecutive day because of an elbow injury, placing his streak of 185 consecutive starts in jeopardy.

GIANTS: Ahmad Bradshaw took part in practice on a limited basis, and Coach Tom Coughlin said he was encouraged about having the running back for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Bradshaw, the team’s leading rusher, sat out last week’s 34-0 loss at Atlanta after spraining his left knee a week earlier in a win over New Orleans.

“He looked OK,” Coughlin said. “As long as he continues to progress the way he has, he should be able to go. He brings a lot to the table in terms of fire and energy. Those are the most important factors. Knowing him, I am not surprised that he’s made his way back.”

Bradshaw has 869 yards and five touchdowns but has been battling a foot injury throughout the season, and then the left knee injury knocked him out of the lineup. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

The Giants, Redskins and Cowboys are in a first-place tie in the NFC East at 8-6.

BEARS: Linebacker Brian Urlacher will miss his third straight game because of a hamstring injury when the Chicago Bears visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

BILLS: The team reached an agreement with Erie County and the state on a lease deal for Ralph Wilson Stadium that will keep the NFL franchise in western New York for at least seven more years.

The agreement includes $130 million in renovations for the nearly 40-year-old stadium, with the Bills providing $35 million and the state and county covering the other $95 million.

DOLPHINS: Former Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding signed with Miami, replacing Dan Carpenter, who was placed on injured reserve because of a right groin injury.

Grimes has played in nine games this season, six with the Texans and three with the New York Jets.

The Jaguars needed depth at running back. Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) and Rashad Jennings (concussion/shoulder) are out Sunday against New England, and backups Jalen Parmele and Jordan Todman are on injured reserve. Former UMaine player Montell Owens, an All-Pro on special teams, has started the last two games at running back.

VIKINGS: Minnesota will have cornerback Chris Cook on the field Sunday in Houston after a six-game absence because of a broken right arm.

JETS: Mark Sanchez knows he won’t be the starting quarterback this week.

Beyond that, the one-time face of the franchise won’t say whether he thinks he’ll be back with the team next season.

Sanchez struggled mightily Monday night in a 14-10 loss at Tennessee, throwing four interceptions and losing the football on New York’s final offensive play as the Jets were eliminated from playoff contention. Coach Rex Ryan decided Tuesday to give Greg McElroy the start Sunday against San Diego at MetLife Stadium.

Whether Sanchez has played his final snap for the Jets remains to be seen. A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday that the Jets will consider all of their options regarding Sanchez and backup Tim Tebow. Trades in the offseason cannot be ruled out, but the person, who requested anonymity because the team’s personnel plans are private, told the AP that the Jets have not made any determinations involving Sanchez or Tebow.

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